Are you one of those peopled who, after taking one or two cups of coffee too many, finds the heart bumping or other slightly upsetting side effects? And are you also one of those who finds tisanes such as lime or peppermint or whatever not just the right substitute. Now, we are told that tea also includes caffeine, allegedly the source of the disturbance. But tea, very thin, without milk is what one reformed coffee drinker recommends. Very thin and light. But made so much more palatable and probably energy giving, by having a teaspoonful of honey stirred in. He's been at it for years.
You won't get the honey in every caff or indeed in every hotel or restaurant, but, if you ask, your favourite places just might start keeping it. Surely, after all, honey goes into some of the superior dishes served up in the best establishments. At home, anyway, you can look after yourself. Tastes differ. The Gourmet Shop in Rathgar don't have Sean's own now. He had a bad year, but they stock some genuine all Irish honey.
The same addict orders his family, when they go on holiday, not to bring him back presents. Just a small jar of the local honey. And you can produce your own. The County Dublin Beekeepers' Association starts its 1996 beginners course on Tuesday February 6, and continues for the next four Tuesdays cost £10.
Ring Billy Mellon, expert beekeeper, at Dublin 2880018. They meet at Wesley House, Leeson Park, Dublin 6. It's an old, old craft. But an elderly beekeeper was able to initiate a twelve year old into the intricacies with success. And the fact that the Bee Project of three young girls from Portarlington won so handsomely in the Young Scientists' Exhibition recently, adds interest. Now Royal Jelly and all that is quite another matter. Just good honey is enough to go on with, and honeyed light tea is the answer to the odd refresher throughout the day.